For clinician-guided EMDR preparation and session closure. This worksheet does not replace EMDR training, crisis care, diagnosis, or medical treatment. If someone is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Free EMDR worksheet

Free EMDR Container Exercise

Build a containment image, cue word, control method, closure script, and return plan for EMDR preparation, stabilization, or end-of-session containment.

Safe Place Exercise EMDR BLS Tool

Containment sequence

Containment is easier to document when the material, image, control, and closure are separate.

  1. 1
    Name material

    Brief, non-graphic label

  2. 2
    Choose container

    Image with boundaries

  3. 3
    Place material

    Client-guided visualization

  4. 4
    Check SUD

    Before and after rating

  5. 5
    Return plan

    When and how to revisit

Use the free container exercise now. CoralEHR is building around preparation, stabilization, session notes, and follow-up.

What the EMDR Container Exercise Helps With

The container exercise gives clients a concrete way to set aside unfinished or activating material until it is appropriate to return. It is commonly used in preparation, stabilization, and closure so sessions do not end with unresolved material feeling fully open.

Use It as a Resourcing Worksheet

This page helps clinicians and clients define the image, what goes in, what stays out, how the container closes, what cue word anchors it, and when the material can be reopened. Entries stay in the browser unless copied or exported.

Therapist Guide to Container Exercises

For containment imagery, control methods, cue words, closure scripts, return plans, and documentation examples, read the EMDR container exercise guide.

Documentation Example

Therapist guided EMDR container exercise for end-of-session closure after activating material emerged. Client developed container image, selected cue word, and practiced placing unfinished material in container while maintaining awareness of present room. Client reported reduced distress and agreed to return to material if clinically appropriate.

Related EMDR Tools

EMDR Safe Place Exercise

Build a calm place script, sensory anchors, and cue word.

EMDR Bilateral Stimulation

Use visual, audio, haptic, and telehealth BLS settings.

SUD/VOC Tracker

Track SUD and VOC ratings across sets.

EMDR Target Sequence Planner

Organize targets, triggers, and future templates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EMDR container exercise? +

It is an EMDR preparation or closure exercise that helps a client set aside unfinished material using a containment image, control method, cue word, and return plan.

Who should use this container worksheet? +

It is for clinician-guided EMDR work. It does not replace EMDR training, crisis care, supervision, or clinical judgment.

Does the tool save the container plan? +

No. The public worksheet is browser-based and local-only unless you copy or export it.

How is this different from the safe place exercise? +

Safe place focuses on a calm resource. Container focuses on setting aside unfinished material until it is clinically appropriate to return.

Next step

See the EMDR workflow we are building

Use the free worksheet now. The next step is the EMDR therapist bridge page, where containment connects to the broader EHR workflow.

EHR for EMDR therapists